Foot Massage: Remedy Soreness Sooner

Do I need a Foot Massage? That depends, do you like having good balance, comfortable feet, strong back, lack of tension? I sure do. The great thing to do at the end of the day is kick off our shoes, free our poor feet! All that running, walking, lifting, socks and shoes, no air. How can anyone not need the human touch. This not the situation where we insert a quarter for our feet to be shaken around, but someone genuinely qualified in making us feel better. I highly recommend giving the gift of foot massage, either to yourself or a loved one!

This is not a new medical breakthrough, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue that enhances function and promotes blood flow.

In the modern United States we now use many different kinds of massage therapies, each of which offers specific benefits to the mind and body. One of these forms is foot massage. It is possible to give a foot massage with socks on, but the bare-footed person will receive a better one. If your feet are not clean, they should be wiped them off with a wet cloth or wipe. They will use oil or scented lotion. The atmosphere should be comfortable. The room will be dim and relaxed with candles and scents. Make sure the masseuse knows if you are ticklish, and he/she will avoid certain feathery movements. You will be in a chair with feet on a footstool, or on a massage table.



A foot massage can be given with socks on, but the feeling will be much better if they are bare. You will start by sitting with your feet up, or on a mat. Hopefully they are clean, if not, your masseuse will discretely clean them with a wipe or wet cloth. He/she will then most likely use some sort of oil, and make the room clean and comfortable with dim atmosphere, candles and scents. Be sure to let him/her know, as you don't want to spend the whole foot massage laughing. There are certain feathery touches that they will avoid. You will be seated with your feet up, or on a massage table.

There is a huge variety of foot massage (as you will find with all sorts of massage). Reflexology is one form. Reflexology originates from an ancient Chinese system and is based on the notion that there are nerve endings in the soles of the feet that correspond to all of the organs of the body such as the liver, kidney or spleen. The gentle and repeated massage of these pressure points stimulates and detoxifies the internal organs and improves circulation to the problem area.

A scientific study performed on heart surgery patients showed there was a significant decrease in levels of stress after a foot massage. Reducing stress levels can help the body in many ways, mentally and physically as well. Foot massage benefits are best received when a professional massage therapist performs the massage. All too often, it's not possible to get this kind of massage on a regular basis. There is another way to receive foot massage benefits without visiting a professional therapist. You can now get scientifically designed foot massage units for home use. These foot massage tools can give you a wonderfully relaxing and calming massage and can reduce pains and tiredness.